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The renowned publisher has secured a seasoned producer from the creators of Apex Legends to oversee the development team at their internal studio, which is currently working on the forthcoming third-person roguelike extraction-shooter known as Project Ethos.

Management Change Comes After Lukewarm Response

The new appointee assumes the leadership position at the development studio following the exit of former leader the ex-Sledgehammer Games executive, who was reportedly let go due to the game's disappointing initial reveal last fall.

Recently, 2K president David Ismailer informed staff about this organizational change through an internal memo, which emphasized that early feedback sessions had shown the necessity for a distinct game identity.

Ismailer expressed that the team is now reimagining the project with a revised focus, aiming to satisfy community desires.

Trend of Strategic Acquisitions

This announcement mirrors a similar action taken by the publisher in August, when they brought on an industry veteran from the Diablo team to contribute to the beloved franchise development group.

Below is the entire text from Ismailer's announcement:

Hello Everyone—

I know you all just completed your town hall - I trust you’re as excited as I am with the positive developments. Previously I sent you all a note, I mentioned the following: “I am confident in this group. You all are some of the most driven and creative designers we have had the opportunity to partner with - and we’re looking forward for that partnership to endure.”

Through your commitment and versatility, particularly over the past twelve months, you continue to prove that.

The community feedback from last autumn’s Project ETHOS playtest was revealing. It affirmed the potential of a roguelike shooter but made clear we still had work to do. It uncovered the need for a clearer brand.

It’s been inspiring to see how far you’ve come. You accepted the input to consideration and reimagined the title with a revitalized direction - one that’s ready to achieve its ambition to our audience.

The trust in Project ETHOS grows every day. To boost the remarkable progress you’ve made, I am thrilled to introduce the new hire as the latest Lead of the team. After several months of conversations, he starts with us on the specified date.

His management and expertise in the competitive gaming genre is extensive, having devoted the last 15 years producing and managing some of the most popular series in gaming, including the acclaimed shooter, and lately, Apex Legends.

Let’s together in greeting him in the coming days. We are all eager to continue observing the development of the game in the time to come.

The President

Background of the New Head

Brinkman presently serves in the position of executive producer and head of production at the renowned studio for Apex Legends. He previously worked at major gaming companies in multiple development positions on the iconic franchise games, and, earlier in his career, had assignments at other industry leaders.

Title Details and Vision

The upcoming game was announced in last year together with a community playtest. At the time, the developers described the title as a "free-to-play, 3rd-person action-packed experience and an innovative advancement on the style."

"Build your perfect run—or die trying—in this 3rd-person action shooter! Customize your character in live gameplay to fit your unique tactics," the description states. "Face the competition with new abilities, stakes, and tests that change every session. Will you leave securely with your hard-earned loot? Alternatively take a risk, put it on the line, and trust your group can earn top ranking? The choice is in your hands."

Project Ethos has not yet received an announced debut schedule or consoles, but players can anticipate further news as production progresses.